Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

SAUM -E – WISAL (Continuous Fasting)

The Prophet used to devote himself in many kinds of ibadaat during the month of Ramadan, so in the month of Ramadan, the Prophet and Jibrail used to recite the QURAAN together manzil by manzil, when he met Jibrail he would be more generous than a strong breeze. He was much more generous than any one else but in the month of Ramadan he would exceed even himself in generosity and beneficience, also in reciting the QURAN, remembering ALLAAH (zikar) and private devotion in a mosque (Itikaf). He would set apart the month of Ramadan for lbadah so much so that he would some time observe continuous fasting so as to occupy himself in remembering ALLAAH but he forbade the noble companions from doing so i.e. observing continuous fasting. [Zad -UI- Ma’ad]

The Prophet used to observe fast continuously during the nights of Ramadan without eating or drinking any thing or breaking his fast. However, as a token of mercy and affection and out of farsightedness he would forbid the companions from doing so, as Hadrat Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) narrated in a tradition that the Prophet has forbidden observence of continuous fasting. The Prophet said: “Do not observe continuous fasting". On this, the Companions (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhum) asked him, when you, yourself observence continuous fasting, why do you forbid us to do so? We are to follow you.” He replied, “I am not like any one of you.” In another version he (the Prophet) is reported to have said: Which one of you is like me? I pass my nights in the company of my Lord, for He is my creator and guide. He provides me food and drink. In other version, the words are, He is the provider of the food that he gives and of the drink that he gives. [According to the commentators of traditions, these mean spiritual food.] ALLAAH alone knows truth of the matter. According to lmam-e-Azam Abu Hanfah also, observing continuous fasting is not permissible. [Madarij -un- Nubuwah]